repaired · 2026 Q2
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
2016 Mazda CX-3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 48 owner complaints about the 2016 Mazda CX-3, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-487 the manufacturer reports only 42% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 1, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Zytonits, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Mazda CX-3 has problems
48 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Electrical system
7Exterior lighting
6Back over prevention
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Engine
4Visibility/wiper
2Lane departure
2Seat belts
2Seats
96 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 11 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 1 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 9 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 Mazda CX-3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Body: hatchback/liftgate
Risk. If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Steering
Risk. If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other CX-3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CX-3 median. How we score
'14'16'17'18'19'20'21
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Mazda CX-3 safety ratings
2016 Mazda CX-3 SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (13.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What CX-3 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear view camera and speedometer How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Rear view camera restarts and flickers so seeing behind while in reverse is dangerous. The electrical…
My Mazda CX3’s touchscreen started registering “ghost presses” without any input from me. This leads to the car scrolling through contacts and placing calls while driving. This almost caused an accident as I was scrambling to avoid the embarrassment of randomly dialing someone multiple times. Many…
Mazda CX3 Connect touch screen in the center display may not accept touch commands properly and faded. The film inside the touch screen may be corroded due to moisture
Own a 2016 CX-3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.